New Castle (Ingolstadt)
New Castle (German: Neues Schloss) is a palace in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany. Construction began in 1418 under Louis VII, Duke of Bavaria-Ingolstadt, as part of the city's second ducal residence. Prior to the New Castle, the Old Castle (Altes Schloss) served as the primary residence.
The New Castle's initial purpose was primarily defensive, supplementing the already formidable city fortifications. It incorporated corner towers and a surrounding moat. Construction was interrupted multiple times due to wars and financial constraints. After Louis VII's death, the castle was further developed by his successors.
Over the centuries, the New Castle has served various purposes beyond a ducal residence. These have included acting as a military hospital, barracks, and administrative offices. Significant portions of the castle were renovated in the 19th century, adapting it to these new functions.
Today, the New Castle houses the Bavarian Army Museum (Bayerisches Armeemuseum), displaying a large collection of military artifacts and exhibits detailing Bavarian military history. The museum is a major attraction in Ingolstadt.